The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) hosted a crucial panel discussion during Honeywell's second annual Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Summit in Washington, D.C., on July 18. The panel's primary goal was to ensure that the United States maintains its position as a global aerospace leader as Advanced Air Mobility becomes a reality. To achieve this objective, the panel emphasized the need for collaboration between government and industry, bypassing bureaucracy to preserve America's competitive advantage.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen moderated the panel, which featured esteemed leaders, including Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industry Association (AIA); and James Viola, President and CEO of the Helicopter Association International (HAI).
During the summit's opening, Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted the immense potential of AAM, with Morgan Stanley predicting it to be a $6 billion market by 2035 and a staggering $1 trillion market by 2040. Emphasizing its inclusivity, Goldstein stated that these vehicles are designed for everyone, not just a select group.
Addressing the pivotal role of the government in supporting and stimulating AAM, GAMA's Pete Bunce emphasized the FAA's commitment to getting these aircraft in the air by 2025. However, he urged the federal government to think long-term about how this new mode of transportation will move people from rural cities to hubs and manage airspace around metropolitan areas effectively when transitioning from initial stages to full-scale implementation.
NBAA's Ed Bolen summarized the panel's discussion, stressing that the benefits of AAM present a national imperative that demands decisive action. The industry's transformative impact on the future provides a unique opportunity for American leadership, solidifying the nation's position in this rapidly evolving sector.
